Can African Lungfish and Pygmy Rainbowfish Live Together?
African Lungfish and Pygmy Rainbowfish are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.
At a Glance
Can your tank handle African Lungfish and Pygmy Rainbowfish?
Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.
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Behaviour & Temperament
African Lungfish is a highly aggressive species (10/10), while Pygmy Rainbowfish is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This notable difference means African Lungfish may occasionally assert dominance over Pygmy Rainbowfish.
Large aggression gap (7 points) between African Lungfish and Pygmy Rainbowfish increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.
African Lungfish and Pygmy Rainbowfish both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and Top (Surface) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.
There is a critical concern: the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..
Worth noting: African Lungfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.
Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 7.8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
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Tank Setup
To house African Lungfish and Pygmy Rainbowfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 680 litres with a minimum length of 180 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.
Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.
Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - lighly covered. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: African Lungfish is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Pygmy Rainbowfish's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.
Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.
Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both African Lungfish and Pygmy Rainbowfish.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can African Lungfish and Pygmy Rainbowfish live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do African Lungfish and Pygmy Rainbowfish need?
A minimum of 680 litres (tank length at least 180 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.
What water temperature is best for African Lungfish and Pygmy Rainbowfish together?
Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are African Lungfish or Pygmy Rainbowfish aggressive?
African Lungfish is highly aggressive (10/10) and Pygmy Rainbowfish is generally mild-mannered (3/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.
What pH do African Lungfish and Pygmy Rainbowfish need?
Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.
How do I manage African Lungfish's territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives African Lungfish space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.
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